01 n. A withdrawing or retiring; a moving back; retreat; as, the recess of the tides.
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1.
A withdrawing or retiring; a moving back; retreat; as, the recess of the tides.“Every degree of ignorance being so far a recess and degradation from rationality.” — South.“My recess hath given them confidence that I may be conquered.” — Eikon Basilike.
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2.
The state of being withdrawn; seclusion; privacy.“In the recess of the jury they are to consider the evidence.” — Sir M. Hale.“Good verse recess and solitude requires.” — Dryden.
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3.
Remission or suspension of business or procedure; intermission, as of a legislative body, court, or school; as, the children were allowed to play in the school yard during recess.“The recess of . . . Parliament lasted six weeks.” — Macaulay.
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4.
Part of a room formed by the receding of the wall, as an alcove, niche, etc.“A bed which stood in a deep recess.” — W. Irving.
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5.
A place of retirement, retreat, secrecy, or seclusion.“Departure from this happy place, our sweet Recess, and only consolation left.” — Milton.
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6.
Secret or abstruse part; as, the difficulties and recesses of science; the deepest recesses of the mind.
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7.
A sinus.(Bot. & Zool.)